Survey results indicate that as Americans look ahead to 2026, their resolutions reflect a mix of typical goals like exercising more and saving money, but there’s also a noticeable emphasis on faith and family this year.
A YouGov poll reveals that about one-third (31 percent) of U.S. adults set New Year’s resolutions. Interestingly, younger adults, those under 45, are significantly more likely to engage in this practice, with 43 percent compared to just 21 percent of older adults.
The most common goal among Americans is, unsurprisingly, to exercise more (25%), followed closely by striving for happiness (23%), healthier eating (22%), saving money (21%), and enhancing physical health (also 21%). Other popular aspirations include losing weight (17 percent) and improving mental well-being (16 percent).
Notably, two resolutions focusing on faith and family share the eighth spot: “pray more” and “spend more time with family,” each chosen by 15 percent of respondents. Alongside these, goals like “learn something new” and “read more” were also selected.
The extensive list of 25 resolutions further highlights faith and family aspirations, with “improve relationships with friends and family” noted by 13% of participants, ranking 12th. Additionally, “focus on spiritual matters” ranked 18th with 9% support.
Interestingly, “increase political involvement” was the only political goal noted, landing at the bottom of the list with just 4% support.
YouGov’s analysis pointed out that last year’s most popular resolution was saving more money, with 26% expressing determination in that area. The data also mentioned that 22% aimed to better utilize their finances last year.
There’s a discernible trend toward a spiritual awakening among the younger demographic in the U.S., as this poll indicates. Younger adults, specifically those aged 18 to 29, are more inclined to embrace faith-related resolutions than their older counterparts. For instance, 15 percent of this younger group expressed a desire to pray more, compared to 13 percent of those aged 45 to 64. Likewise, 11 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds want to focus on spirituality, versus 7 percent of the older age group.
This survey included responses from 1,104 American adults.
